35 weeks!!!
*We had another dr. appointment this week and she is doing great! She is head down, her heart rate was 140 bpm and she is measuring right on! LOVE LOVE LOVE getting to hear that heart beat of hers!
*I will definitely be using a lactation consultant once I have the baby but I also started taking free email courses from Lactation Link and I’m feeling more prepared about this whole thing already!
*I definitely feel her move and kick around throughout the day but I don’t feel her doing flips anymore. Things are getting tight in there! She is around 5.25 lbs now! I either want to lie down, stand up or lean over on the counter or something… sitting down just makes me feel like everything is squished way too much inside.
*This pic is from last Friday from my run with Knox and Andrew! Knox rode his bike with us for 5 miles! My current pace is usually around 9:30-9:45!
*I have a dream about her almost every single night now which is fun and I can tell that my brain is thinking about her non-stop.
*Overall, the third trimester is my favorite so far but I also am not in those last 2-3 weeks that are probably going to be extremely uncomfortable.
*Carbs. Carbs. Carbs. It is all I want.
*The baby does feel like she is dropping a little bit! She doesn’t feel as high up in my ribs as she did before!
*Somebody’s hand is on my tummy pretty much at all times of the day to feel her move:) Knox did this for pretty much the entire time we were at church on Sunday.
*While I don’t feel nauseated at all like I used to, food aversions are still strong. Andrew has to go get a hamburger by himself if he wants one and I have a list of about 15 foods that I don’t want near me right now.
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The nursery is done!! Andrew worked so incredibly hard on the nursery and I am so thankful because it is absolutely perfect in my opinion. I cannot wait to bring her home and to have a special place where I’ll be spending so much time with her!
Please note, my sister took all of the decorating genes in our family but I’m pretty darn proud of how it turned out!
The before!
After a new paint job, the crib was put together and the glider was added!
And then I changed my mind on the sheets and then we decorated! Andrew and I decided to go with a star theme for her room because star gazing together is one of our favorite things to do (and how we got engaged)!
Her little closet!
And the glider I will be spending a million hours in:) Thank you Brooke for rocking with me daily to get ready.
Here are the links to the things we bought:
Coral blanket (that is the softest thing you will ever feel)!
Wall shelves (from Ikea, I can’t find them online)
Prints—> here, here, here and here!
A few of the things that I can find online from the shelves—> here, here and here!
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Now I need your help. I need to know what to pack in my hospital bag. What did you pack in yours? What do you wish you would have packed in yours? What was unnecessary? I need to hear it all. With Brooke, I definitely didn’t pack a bag. I got off the airplane, all of my stuff was in the POD on the way to California and I didn’t expect (neither did my doctors) her to come for a bit longer… so I didn’t have a bag packed. I think I just brought my carry on suitcase from the airplane to the hospital. It worked out great but I do want to be a little bit more prepared this time!
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What should I pack in my hospital bag?! PLEASE SHARE!
86 comments
Camee
Comfy button up pjs that you don’t care to get too dirty. This might be crazy but hospitals charge for everything so something as simple as packing your prenatal vitamins can save you a little. And a nursing pillow!
Laura
Not much – I definitely overpacked in mine!
Bluetooth speaker for labor
Ipad or way to watch movies while you’re waiting around in labor
Phone charger
Bathroom toiletries
Loose pants (I wore the hospital gown the whole time but liked having pants on too when people visited so I didn’t feel so naked)
Hospital will likely have everything to take care of baby so just going home outfit for her
Hospital will likely have everything you need for your physical recovery
Snacks
Going home outfit for you
Fleece or something to stay warm
My bag had a ton more but I don’t think I used any of it
Sarah
I had two bags. One that I brought with me an another one with clothes that my husband brought me two days after my c section.
Otherwise I would have arrived in hospital with a huge suitcase ….
I loved my lactation book and lots of shirts. I used simple old white shirts from my husband which I cut on the top for a simplier breastfeeding. Love that you are so positive about this topic!
Love from Germany!
Hollie
It looks like everything is coming together so well. You look great (as you did last week in real life too). I cannot believe it’s coming so soon!
Kristin
For sure Depends underwear! Hated the mesh ones they give you and Depends were a lifesaver:)
Michelle
Bring a soft comfy robe to feel covered when visitors come and your own socks from home. A special outfit for the little one to come home in (Brooke and Knox can pick it out!) and blanket to cover her in her carseat.
Momof2
Check to see what the hospital provides. I was fortunate that they provided almost everything – even snacks – so I didn’t bring much at all. I’d say bring comfy clothes for after the birth but besides that leave it all home!
Suzy
Extension cord for your phone charger because phone chargers are never long enough to reach from the wall to the hospital bed!
Shay WLBM
So cute! Is her name going to be Starla?!
Rachel
I’m not sure how you are managing to still look so gorgeous at 35 weeks preggy! You know, I took a huge budget pack of the biggest underwear ever made in with me, and it was a lifesaver. Definitely not cute, but so so comfy, ha!
Dawn
Cutest baby room ever! I love the color of the walls. I want to repaint one of the bedrooms at home and am thinking about a similar color. Her little clothes in the closet are so precious. Great job putting the room together! It looks great!
Jenny | Running On Life
Cute nursery! I love the colors.
I said hi to your brother in law at Costco today, did he tell you that yet?
Hospital bag:
Camera
Comfortable pants (I hated the hospital gown the whole time)
Make up and hair stuff because it will help you feel 1000 times better and more like yourself to take a shower and get your self ready like normal.
Snacks (my kids kept eating my hospital ones unless I hid them lol)
Baby’s take home outfit
Laptop or book or something else for entertainment between visitors.
Socks
I’m not sure if all hospitals around here do this, but Utah valley hospital gave me ear plugs and a sleeping mask and it helped a ton! So you can always bring your own if where you decide to go doesn’t have that.
Mary Rose Keller
So excited for you!! Having just done it the fourth time, I’ve gained lots of opinions haha!
*Depends!!! Way better than the pads and mesh panties. They are more comfortable, and it is just one thing instead of feeling like things are sliding all over.
*Nightgowns you can nurse in (and a robe for walking the halls). It is nice for when the nurses need to check you, and more comfortable than lots of items and layers.
*Good toilet paper! This is one people don’t think about, but you won’t regret! Softer and doesn’t fall apart so easy. Hospitals really should splurge with this in the postpartum wards!
*Your own pillows, gripped socks (the hospital ones twist so much!), lip balm, newborn diapers (we take the 1s they give us home and use our own newborns with the cutout at the hospital), soft blankets for the baby
Christina @ montessoriishmom.com
Her room is beautiful! I love the pop of color in the curtains. I used pretty much nothing I packed lol, but the one thing I wish I’d had is some good broth. The hospital would only let me have liquids, I was so hungry and really wanted something savory and it was after hours so they only had broth from packets… pretty gross, but I drank it anyway…
Kelly
The best things that i brought to the hospital with me were a comfy robe and an exercise ball for labor.
Ashley
You really don’t need much – the hospital will provide you with most of the stuff you need.
You’ll need your phone charger, slippers, a nice robe to cover up with, a “going home” outfit for baby girl, and a comfy outfit for you to go home in (I just wore the hospital gowns and covered up with my robe – It isn’t a fashion show! ha!) & your camera. Oh and your bathroom stuff, the hospital will provide some, but bring your own nice stuff from home. I brought makeup only because we did a photo shoot in the hospital, or I would have left it home. #secondbabysyndrome. OH – bring a few extra bags (like the flimsy reusable bags) to stock up on stuff at the hospital. They’ll likely load you up with diapers, wipe and formula (just take it, just in case, they’ll also probably have you pump in the hospital – take the bottles and tubing so you have an extra set at home)
Leigh
I think the most important thing to have is nipple cream! If you’re planning to breast feed. With my first I didn’t start using lanolin until about 24 hours in and by then they were already tender. With my second i started using it immediately and honestly it made the world of difference. As far as packing goes I think packing light is far less stressful. With my first i way overpacked and it was stressful. The second I packed two baby outfits, some maternity pads and breast pads for me. A pair of pyjamas for me, maternity bra, and a going home outfit. And jandals for in the shower. And some eyeliner. But I think keeping it light is far less stressful. Just me though. ? can’t wait to meet her! (Virtually anyway)
Regina parks
Yes yes yes!!! Sandals for the shower! Forgot that one
Megan
For my hospital bag for my daughter that was born in July, I very small toiletry bag that just had extra hair ties, bobby pins, headbands, earphones and chapstick, all the things that I would need while I was in labor. I remember from my first that I didn’t really need anything else besides that and packing a whole another bag for just the labor part wasn’t needed. I also placed it right on top of my suitcase so my husband could find it easily. In my postpartum bag, I packed a nightgown, a black pair of pajamas, a black pair of leggings and sweatshirt for my going home outfit, my camera, my big toiletry bag with all my shower stuff, cheap hair straighter and my make up.
Katie
Chapstick! Lips get so dry in the hospital– especially the winter! Cozy socks! Nursing friendly top/robe/pjs! SNACKS! :)
Nicole @ Bento Momentos
So happy to hear about your healthy little one! Also, love the pop of coral in her bedroom. Very cute!
Leanne
The most important things for me were my pillow, socks, and chapstick! I also brought pjs, comfy and warm clothes for going home (November baby) and a cute going home outfit for my daughter (we were only in the hospital for one night.)
The nursery looks adorable!
Doni
One other thought beyond all the great suggestions so far, is that we packed gifts from “baby sister” to older siblings. It was kind of a little “bonding” thing and they thought it was funny that a baby would give them a gift.
The Hungry Runner Girl
YES YES YES… I love this idea, thank you SO MUCH Doni. Totally adding this to my list!
Allison
Oh I love the nursery – you and Andrew did such a great job!
Jessica
Definitely bring some snacks! The hospital probably won’t let you eat while you’re in labor, but you might need something after. I had my daughter just before midnight, and was SO HUNGRY by the time they moved me to recovery but there was no food available. The super sweet labor & delivery nurse gave me her tuna sandwich that she brought for lunch but didn’t get a chance to eat, and fortunately I had a protein bar in my purse. Otherwise i would have been feasting on vending machine goodies until breakfast.
You’ll definitely want chapstick and nipple cream, and a robe to wear for when you have visitors. I also brought a cheap pair of old navy rubber flip flops to wear in the shower and around the room, and just tossed them when we left. You might also want to bring your own shampoo and conditioner, if you’re picky. It also helps you feel more like yourself afterwards!
Susanne
Toiletries! Comfy clothes for going home for you and baby. Have hubs pack his own bag if he’s planning on staying overnight. I just wore hospital gown in the hospital as i didn’t care what happened to it – people always checking down there and all that fun jazz. For baby, i just kept them swaddled or skin to skin. A robe may be good since it will be cold but keep it simple!
Rene
Your own pillow, slippers (hospital floors are nasty) and a little fan if you tend to get hot. Have a plan for post-delivery food. I work nights and my sweet patients who deliver at 3 am have limited options. They are usually famished too.
Finally, if you have a good experience with your nurses and/or technicians fill out the hospital survey and mention them by name. It means a lot to know that a patient was happy with the care you provided.
Good luck. Can’t wait to meet her.
Angie
One thing we did with our second was to buy big sister gifts from the baby to our daughter – play dough and other items to keep her entertained at the hospital. My husband also took my daughter (she’s 3) to the store when I was in the hospital and let her pick out a present for her baby brother. She brought him toy trucks to the hospital and spent a long time explaining to him how to play with them. ? It was really sweet.
In addition to what others mentioned, I also LOVED the white noise app at the hospital. Helped me drown out all the beeping noises and actually get some sleep. I brought a cute blanket and a good camera too to have my own newborn photo shoots of the baby when I was bored in the hospital…We had lots of photo shoots (I was bored a lot) and I didn’t have to pay for the expensive hospital ones. Also brought a little nail file for the baby. They’re always born with claws and the hospital won’t provide a file or trim the nails.
Kathy
Totally agree about bathrobe and PJs. I’d add slippers for after. Also, remember to pack for Andrew- extra blankets and pillows (since I’m guessing you’ll be cold after and steal everything in the room). Also snack food. Good luck!
Jesica @rUnladylike
The room is perfect! I love it!!!! I’m so excited for you! It’s awesome that you can still run so well. There was no running for me after 28 weeks and I was so slow. You are doing awesome! Can’t wait to see pics of the little lady who will get to live in that room. Hugs!
Pam
I second the lip balm/chapstick, ear plugs/sound machine (for the night – you can hear EVERYTHING) & an eye mask. I brought compression socks because I knew I was going to have a c-section and didn’t want to have to wear the leg compressor things all night. Good luck! And if you forget something, have Andrew/parent/sibling/friend, bring it to you :)
Nicole
I wished we had our Halo sleepsack swaddle. My son was born via induction, we were going to the hospital for an ultrasound and didn’t even pack a bag! My husband went back home to grab our stuff. The first night was so difficult and we couldn’t for the life of us figure out how the nurse had swaddled our baby in that blanket. To this day I still rely on a Velcro swaddle. Good luck mama! You’ll do great!
Erica
Our Twinsie matching going home outfits and my toiletrie bag. Perfect.
Emily
I brought a robe for this last go round (delivery number 3; twins) and it was a GAME CHANGER. it was so nice to have something to throw on to visit the NICU or when family came over.
Stool softeners. Made me feel human.
I switched to bamboo nursing pads this time. So much better than the disposables.
My toilet paper!
My pillow!
And then don’t forget your mom guts. I mean, remember that this is your delivery. Make sure you are assertive enough that you have no regrets. Best wishes for a healthy baby!
Stefi
Such a cute nursery! So exciting! I brought a tennis ball for my husband to roll on my back/legs, etc for a massage during labor and it felt awesome. Also my own pillow from home with an old pillowcase on it (not white so you don’t leave it at the hospital!). Button down cozy big pjs, fuzzy socks, snacks cause the food there was gross. I also made small goody thank you bags (with candy, gum and small lotion) for all my nurses and it felt so nice to surprise them after all the hard amazing work they did for me! I didn’t shower or get ready at all (c section so i couldn’t get up) so i dunno if has useful stuff or not. Good luck!!!!!!
Katie
Love the coral in the nursery!! Snacks and slippers were the two most important for me. My older daughter still remembers that we had mint Milanos in the room when her sister was born :) oh and chapstick
Amanda
I am not sure if you follow Ali from Inspiralized but she just did a massive blog recap on alissandrab.com that talks about what she used and didn’t. I can’t really relate but thought of you when I read it. Maybe check it out along with all of the great tips above?
The Hungry Runner Girl
I am totally going to check out her post, thank you SO MUCH Amanda! I hope you are having a great day!
T.O.
Aw!! Love her nursery! I like the trendy color scheme you went with and those curtains are great! Good job on those shelves, too. Never underestimate the challenge of decorative shelving..
I know this is random, but I noticed that cream colored dress in her closet with the black plaid. That was my favorite dress that my daughter wore quite a few times before she grew out of it. I know you will have so much fun dressing your sweet little lady!
Also, good idea joining the lactation community! I hope you have great success in that arena! I just weaned after 13 months and it’s hard to believe my journey is over.
Alyssa
So so cute! I also got zero decorating genes (I don’t know if they exist in my family at all) so I’m definitely impressed!! She will love it!!
Sara
All great suggestions! I also suggest your nursing pillow (I think you said you got a My Brest Friend?) Helpful for you as you are learning to nurse her and will also be helpful for the kids to give them a little support in holding her! I will also highly, highly recommend this nipple cream! I had a lot of issues the first week and lanolin did nothing to help. This stuff cleared them up within 24 hours!
https://www.amazon.com/Natural-Nipple-Butter-Organic-Breastfeeding/dp/B000JVCBBG?th=1
The Hungry Runner Girl
I just ordered this nipple cream you linked to…. THANK YOU SARA!!!
Sage
Love the post! The picture of you at the doctor – you look like a gilmore girl (“You’ve got that really good, straight, shiny Harvard hair.”)
The nursery looks great. I think next to the glider, to the side of the shelves, you need a big family picture. So when you’re sitting, for hours, holding a sweet baby – your selfies can include the picture in the background (we did this) – family photos!
Things to take to the hospital – something for your lips, they get SO dry. And a playlist. I mocked people for playlists, but when the time came, I realized how quiet it was while I was pushing and just kept imagining M and the nurse would hear my body rip in two (totally not how it works), so I made M put on pandora. Needless to say, Peek was born to an embarrassing Macklemore song. Other than that, our hospital provided EVERYTHING, we hardly used anything from my bag.
Alicia @Bridges Through Life
The nursery looks great. So simple and perfect. I can’t believe it’s already 35 weeks. So soon until you meet her.
Amanda W.
Beautiful nursery! You guys did a wonderful job:) Can’t wait to meet this little star;)
Nicole H
I’m so excited for you!!! Here are a couple items I liked having –
-Snacks (for after the baby comes and between the meals the hospital brings you…and also for Andrew when you’re laboring…and I ate a ton in the middle of the night afterwards because I was starving!)
-Black loose bottoms – shorts/PJ pants, whatever!
-Nice warm socks (but that you will throw away because you will be walking on the hospital bathroom with them on)
-Nursing tank tops….because by day 2 you are over the hospital gown
-a big swaddle for the baby – The smaller ones in the hospital only worked in the hospital because the nurses are magicians :)
-If you have a breast pump/bottles make sure they are clean and maybe put them in the car. My baby came a couple weeks early and was not taking to nursing so I needed to pump. The hospital will have a pump for you, but it’s nice to get to know your pump.
-Kindle or Ipad to watch TV on the hospital wifi when the baby is sleeping
Good Luck Janae!
Mrs. B
Can’t believe you are already 35 weeks pregnant! There are going to be a lot of things on here but here is my best advice:
During labor:
Keep your lip gloss nearby. I literally asked the nurse to put on lip gloss before pushing. I know… I know… but I HATE my lips being dry!
After labor:
– Bring the breastfeeding pillow (I almost didn’t and it would have been a big mistake)
– Bring a robe – After birth, I wore my nursing bra and mesh panties only under my robe. It just worked for me. It is also to help cover up when you have visitors plus it looks cute in pictures!
– Bring your favorite blanket from home. I loved having my fuzzy blanket in bed with me. Hospital blankets suck.
– Go to Target and load up on the travel toiletries. (It was wonderful to have good shampoo/conditioner as well as smell good lotion and other things on hand). Plus those little toiletries are cheap and don’t take up a lot of space.
Mrs. B
***During labor, I wore a very comfortable sports bra. Like the kind of sports bra that you actually don’t work out in because it is very thin. I am a DD cup and I felt so much more comfortable having that super light bra on during labor. (I also had an epidural so I wan’t as irritable as some other mamas that prefer to be naked)
Brittney
So cute! You guys did a great job. I would love to see a house tour some day! I’m not a mom (yet) so can’t help with hospital bag advice but will probably come back and read the comments when my time comes.
The Hungry Runner Girl
Great idea! We will definitely do that! Thanks Britney and I hope you are having an amazing day!
Torrie
Your nursery is adorable!! I love the colors and the little closet is precious! I over packed for my hospital stay with my baby girl. I feel like the hospitals really provide so much for you and the baby, you just need toiletries and going home outfits and then clothes for the dad. Phone charger is a big one not to forget but our hospital even had those for us in the room! This is such an exciting time – enjoy these last few weeks!! I think she will be here before you know it :-)
Alyssa
Don’t pack a ton – the hospital will have a lot of supplies. Definitely a comfy robe and then PJ shorts (not pants) and a nursing bralette (soft kind with no underwire). Because the hospital will have mesh undies and pads and you’ll probably just wear the robe or the bra and shorts because for some reason after delivery, you’re really really sweaty with all the extra fluid you retain in those last few weeks pouring out of you, no matter how cool it is outside… and you’re always topless because baby nurses ALL THE TIME to bring in your milk!
Susie B
Hi Janae! I’ve read your blog for years but rarely comment, but I love reading! But I had my son in January and I definitely over-packed haha. I would recommend comfy pajamas and slippers for sure. And your hospital may have Tucks medicated wipes, but I brought my own and was super glad I did. Lastly, and most importantly, BRING SNACKS. I don’t know how your hospitals food service works, but I had my son at midnight and the kitchen was closed. And I was STARVING. The nurse found a packaged turkey sandwich for me, which I gladly accepted haha, but I wish I would have packed a bunch of my own food. Also, our son didn’t sleep much at night in the hospital so I found myself awake with him at 3am and starving. I brought some nuts and crackers in my bag, but I wish I would’ve thought to bring some more substantial stuff! Good luck! :)
The Hungry Runner Girl
SUSIE!!! Thank you for reading over the years:) Congrats on your new little one last January! THANK YOU for the ideas of things to pack, I appreciate it SO MUCH! Hope you are having a beautiful day!
Claira
I packed a bag and didn’t even open it other than to get some snacks out of the side pocket :) I actually loved the mesh underwear, they were so tight but comfy, which was perfect. I took a ton home with me because I loved them so much :) They had all the stuff I needed for recovery. I wore the hospital gown the whole time because the idea of putting on pants when I was bleeding so much majorly grossed me out. I went home in the clothes I wore to the hospital. I had so many visitors and spent so much time snuggling baby, I had no time for a book or anything. So next time I think I will just pack an outfit and snacks! Just my take, though.
Bridgette
I didn’t pack much at all BUT I highly recommend investing in nursing pjs and nursing cami’s.
You can put a cardigan style top over the cami so you can still be warm/comfortable while
nursing. So excited for you!
Bridgette
btw…this is a recommendation for home and hospital. I wore the hospital gown most of the time at the hospital b/c it was easy but making this discovery made life way easier!
Jordyn
Be sure to pack an extra nightgown/nursing gown or 2! I had the healthiest/easiest pregnancy, went into natural labor with my water breaking on its own, labored for 20 hours and then had to have an emergent c section. Therefore, I had only packed enough for 1 or 2 days in the hospital since I had never envisioned having to have a c section. Never hurts to be 100% prepared for all outcomes!
Elizabeth
Along with the suggestion of comfy clothes for you during recovery (robe, pjs), I def recommend a nursing pillow (boppy or another). I couldn’t figure out how to comfortably nurse without a boppy and it would have been nice to have in the hospital to get used to it and have the lactation consultant help me with it. Had to figure it out at home myself.
Just a note about breastfeeding-try not to stress about it. Chances are, your body will figure out what to do, but stress makes it harder for your supply to come in (I speak from experience!). Latch the baby when she seems hungry and her demand should spark your supply. Drink a ton of water. Ask for help when you feel you need it. It’s ok to feel overwhelmed. Your body goes through amazing hormonal changes during and after birth. BF is hard at first but you’ll get it! Best of luck for an easy delivery!
Kelly
You look great, Janae, and it’s awesome that you’re still running!
Your nursery looks great, too! I just wanted to add that I have a nightstand next to my chair (as recommended by my wise, younger sister) which has been so helpful for breastfeeding. It’s nice to have an easy-to-reach place for my phone/camera, water, a book, nipple cream, etc.
My bedside table is a bin from The Land of Nod (the 1 bin Storagepalooza). It comes in a ton of colors and I like that it works as my table and to store stuffed animals and toys. Great space saver!
Marie
I’m sorry, I don’t have any suggestions for packing but just had to say that I LOVE the nursery so much! You guys did such a wonderful job; it looks amazing!!! I love the colors and everything. I have such a hard time finding nice curtains/drapes and only have a few rooms done in my house but I love the one you picked for her. :) Have a great day, Janae!
Julianne
The nursery is beautiful! I’ve been following for some time now but this is my first time commenting :) Most of the comments have hit on the big things to bring with you but the one item I was SOO happy to have with me was a big, soft, dark colored bath towel. That first shower after giving birth is so nice but hospital towels are HORRIBLE – small and rough!! I didn’t bring my own towel when I had my daughter but when I had my son I brought my own and it was so much better to get out of that shower and have something soft to use. Good luck with everything!!!
The Hungry Runner Girl
THANK YOU for your first comment Julianne, it makes me so happy! GREAT idea about bringing an awesome towel, I am SO going to do that. I hope you are having a beautiful day!
Kelly
Her nursery is so cute!!! Toliet Paper, that hospital stuff is rough!! Housecoat and your own gown and slippers, You don’t want anything you will have to bend over for!! Same thing for shoes to wear home! And we know you have this covered but chapstick/gloss!!
Megan D
The room turned out great! Simplicity is always my jam!
Snacks, something to do (netflix or a good book, comfy jammies (so you don’t have to wear the hospital gown). Ear plugs (the hospital is noisy and you are so very tired). Nursing bra. Maxi pads. I don’t need the diapers they give you after the first day and so why make myself wear them? Toiletries. Clothes for the baby to go home in and clothes for you to go home in. Bring maternity clothes. Even though you will probably be one of those people that can wear her regular jeans home, don’t punish yourself ;)
Tonya Hancock
I didn’t have a bag packed either. Unexpected trip to the hospital, and even though I emailed a detailed list to my husband of what I wanted and where to find it, things didn’t all arrive.
Must haves for you: snacks, snacks, and more snacks.
Charger for your phone.
Earbuds.
Lip stuff.
Dry shampoo (mine did not arrive but I wish it did).
Hairbrush.
3 changes of clothes, all workout wear to be worn day or night.
Must haves for the wee one:
Diapers (unless you don’t mind using the ones from the hospital; we went with all organic cloth)
The first outfit you want to use
The outfit you want them coming home from the hospital in
A couple of more just in case you need to stay in the hospital a bit.
The softest (for you coral!) blanket
And the car seat; they usually won’t let you leave the hospital without it.
Elsa
Cliff bars (or some kind of meal replacement). After both kiddos I was insanely hungry. Food could not come fast enough. These things saved me. And great for in the middle of the night, when they wake you up to check you and babe and you’re like” great. I’m hungry now”.
Deb
flip flops! hospital floors are nasty and you want something to put on your feet easily when you want to get up!
~R
For Kid1 I packed everything What to Expect When You’re Expecting said to pack – and used maybe seven of the things. Never again. For Kid2 and Kid3 I packed: robe (only used when walking the halls with baby), warm socks, clothes to come home in for me and baby (I wore the hospital gowns while in the hospital and baby just wore hospital t-shirt and swaddled blankets), nursing bra, blanket for baby, a couple of diapers, chapstick, phone and charger, wash cloth for my face, snacks, back-up maxi pads (although I always ended up using the hospital ones) and comb/brush/elastic for my hair. And a book that I desperately felt I would need but never opened – always sleeping, nursing, or holding the baby. I always go in a soft sports bra, stretchy pants, and a flannel shirt (great for layering post baby, too). And I loved the mesh underpants – they worked great for me (but I also love the Depends idea, I had just never heard/thought of that before). No makeup or toiletries other than deodorant – I am a “get out of the hospital as fast as I can” girl and would much rather shower and all that jazz at home the next morning (I’ve never stayed more than one night). I keep the diaper bag in the car so it’s there if we need it on the way home but not in the way at the hospital.
Brooke Drollinger
I just had baby #3 and reading all this almost makes me want to have another – such a fun and exciting time! I always bring my journal, I like to write down their birth story ASAP while all the details are still fresh in my mind. With one of my pregnancies I also brought some thank you cards to write before I went home and life got crazy. This time around I brought a sturdy folder and nice pen to keep track off all the paperwork (birth certificate etc) they give you. I am weird about pens and for some reason really enjoyed filling out the birth certificate paperwork with a nice pen from home. I also would write lists of what I needed to ask my dr about when she came to round on me – you never know when they will come and sometimes it’s when you are asleep so it was nice to have the list handy to refer to. You probably already know this but ask your ob for a prescription for a breast pump, should be free under the aca and it’s nice to get a new free pump. Can’t wait to hear about the baby!
Lee
Hi, I’m thinking slides not flip flops. Here’s why: they work with socks AND bare feet. Also, wouldn’t walk on the floors with the socks because they’re going into the slides where your bare feet will be also. Probably more than one pair of socks – backups…. If slippage is a concern – adissage or the like.
Depending on the timing and food availability, it looks like your current “carb loading” is spot on! I wonder how this compares to a 1/2 marathon and if hot chocolate is good for recovery? Then it will be time for some protein.
The nursery looks good!!
Abbey P.
Hi Janae! Just to expand on the breastfeeding topic, you may want to watch The Milky Way. My husband and I watched it a few nights ago and it was just such an amazing documentary! Its on iTunes. I highly recommend it!!
The Hungry Runner Girl
Totally going to watch this… THANK YOU ABBEY!!!
NSH
Warm cozy socks and warm button up pajamas- I felt like the hospital was freezing the whole time I was there:)
Pam
One day (unfortunately not the day the hospital sent their photographer to take pictures) I took a long shower and did my hair/make-up which made me feel a lot better. Enjoy the rest of your pregnancy!!!!
Christina @ The Running Noob
You are down to the final stretch!! So exciting and that room is beautiful.
Pack:
– chapstick
– battery operated candles
– a stick or back buddy or some kind of device your birth team can use to massage your back or whatever hurts with contractions
– your pillow from home (or just the pillowcases)
– grandma pants because you’ll be wearing padding for awhile
– photos of your family
– chargers for phones and cameras
– comfy robe
– slippers
– lotion
– snacks for when you can have solid foods
– brest friend or boppy or whatever you’ll use for nursing (though i ended up just using all the hospital’s pillows)
Stacey
You are absolutely glowing, Janae!! My little Robert came November 3rd after a lengthy (3 day) induction. In my hospital bag, I had:
tablet w/charger, earbuds
phone w/charger
snacks (candy, granola bars, apples)
shampoo/conditioner
lotion
deodorant
hairbrush/comb
lip balm
quarters for vending machine
bathrobe (never used… ended up only wearing hospital gowns and socks)
Going home outfit for baby (I just wore the outfit I arrived in on our way back home, as well)
Car seat (last day)
Crocs (used as slippers and shower shoes)
… and that’s it! The hospital supplied granny panties, pads, baby blankets/t-shirts until going home day, etc.
The Hungry Runner Girl
I HAVE BEEN THINKING ABOUT YOU!! Congratulations Stacey! Oh I love the name Robert! THREE DAY INDUCTION!? Oh Stacey, wow! Thank you fort he tips, I really appreciate it. So happy for you and enjoy this time!!
Monica
I think the nursing pillow is the best thing to have at the hospital. I would also shower as soon as they say you can because it always helped me feel so much better. This isn’t for the hospital, but I always drank canned Dole pineapple juice when I felt like I didn’t have enough milk supply. I also highly recommend the book Mother Food.
Brittany LEsser
You are the cutest pregnant woman ever! I’m still waiting for my bump to pop. Please share your hospital bag when you know! :D
The Hungry Runner Girl
AHHHH BRITTANY!! So so so good to hear from you! I am SO excited for you woman! I totally will and please keep me updated on how everything is going!
Tiffany
Hi Janae!
Where I live, you don’t stay in the hospital very long at all. One night pretty much tops, if all goes well. So I didn’t need much, but I was really glad to have the following:
– lip gloss or chapstick because the hospital is so so dry.
– lotion for my hands and feet, for the above reason.
– a night shirt or top that had buttons or a zipper to make breast feeding easier.
– a dear, dear friend of mine brought me grapes, and cheese, and muffins to munch on — it was so needed and appreciated, so maybe put a bug in the ear of someone you love, that a nice snack would be welcomed…or pack some yourself :)
– also this may be TMI, but my nurse had pads that were soaked in water and then were frozen – this was so nice because I had an episiotomy with my first child and girl….yep…this was very helpful.
– I didn’t pack enough onesies for my second delivery. My daughter peed all over one and the rest were way too big. Maybe have a few sizes on hand.
Hope this helps! So very excited for your little family.
Anna
I brought my own blanlet from home to cover up with.
Made sleep so much better :)
also helpful, to keep yourself from lugging 12 bags into the hospital is to have a bag or two of things I that car that you MIGHT want, so if you DO end up wanting something Andrew can just run out and grab it.
Sue
I am late in the game here, but I always loved having a brand new razor in my hospital bag. After months of strugglIng to shave my legs around my huge belly, it was so nice to have a long hot shower and an easy path to smooth legs!
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